Regulation of Osteoblast Gene Expression in Intratypic Osteosarcoma Hybrid Cells

Intratypic osteosarcoma hybrids were constructed by fusing the human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma SaOS-2 with the rat osteoblast-like osteosarcoma UMR-106. Both of these osteosarcomas express liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), but only the UMR-106 cell line expresses osteopontin (OPN), a gene expressed during later stages of osteoblast differentiation. Analysis of osteoblast gene expression in these hybrids demonstrated that ALPL continued to be expressed; however, OPN steady-state mRNA levels were dramatically reduced in four hybrids. Quantitative measurements indicated theft OPN steady-state mRNA levels were extinguished by a factor of 20- to 1000-fold. Since SaOS-2 chromosomes are preferentially lost from these hybrids, subclones of extinguished hybrids were isolated that reexpressed OPN mRNA at levels similar to the UMR-106 parental line. These data indicate that trans-acting negative regulatory factors, expressed from the SaOS-2 genome, are responsible for OPN extinction. This report provides the first demonstration of the negative regulation of OPN gene expression and also provides additional evidence that extinction plays a role in the regulation of osteoblast gene expression.     

Expression of RUNX2 isoforms: involvement of cap-dependent and cap-independent mechanisms of translation

RUNX2, a major regulator of skeletogenesis, is expressed as type-I and type-II isoforms. Whereas most eukaryotic mRNAs are translated by the cap-dependent scanning mechanism, translation of many mRNAs including type-I and type-II RUNX2 mRNAs has been reported to be initiated by a cap independent internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). Since the dicistronic plasmid assay used to demonstrate IRES has been questioned, we investigated the presence of IRES in RUNX2 mRNAs using dicistronic plasmid and mRNA assays. Our results show that the dicistronic plasmid assay cannot be used to demonstrate IRES in RUNX2 mRNAs because the intercistronic region of dicistronic plasmids containing the 5'-UTRs of both RUNX2 mRNAs operates as a cryptic promoter. In dicistronic mRNA transfection studies the 5'-UTRs of both RUNX2 mRNAs exhibited no IRES activity. When transfected into osteoblastic cells, monocistronic reporter mRNA preceded by the 5'-UTR of type-II RUNX2 (Type-II-FLuc-A100) was translated to a high degree only in the presence of a functional cap (m(7)GpppG); in contrast, luciferase mRNA preceded by the 5'-UTR of type-I RUNX2 mRNA (Type-I-FLuc-A100) was translated poorly in the presence of either m(7)GpppG or a nonfunctional cap (ApppG). Notably, in transfected cells inhibitors of cap-dependent translation suppressed the translation of m(7)GpppG-capped Type-II-FLuc-A100, but not ApppG-capped reporter mRNA preceded by the IRES-containing hepatitis C virus (HCV) 5'-UTR. Our study demonstrates that type-II RUNX2 mRNA is translated by the cap-dependent mechanism. Although efficient translation of type-I RUNX2 mRNA appears to require a process other than cap-dependent, the mechanism of type-I RUNX2 mRNA translation remains to be resolved.     

Endothelin-stimulated Ca(2+)signaling and endothelin receptor expression are decreased by parathyroid hormone treatment in UMR-106 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells

Modulation of endothelin (ET-1)-induced [Ca(2+)](i)transients and receptor expression by parathyroid hormone (PTH) was studied in UMR-106 osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells. Ca(2+)signaling was assessed with Fura-2, and ET receptor mRNA expression was determined using ET(A)- and ET(B)-specific primers and RT-PCR amplification. ET-1 binding in UMR-106 cell membranes was also measured. PTH pretreatment for 8 h decreased the [Ca(2+)](i)transients elicited by ET-1 and by the ET(B)-selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c). When ET(B)receptors were desensitized by pretreatment with S6c or blocked with the ET(B)-selective antagonist BQ-788, the remaining ET(A)component of the signal was also decreased by PTH pretreatment. In contrast, [Ca(2+)](i)transients elicited by PGF(2alpha)and ionomycin were increased following PTH pretreatment, indicating that the effect of PTH to decrease ET-1-stimulated transients was selective. PTH pretreatment also decreased [(125)I]ET-1 binding and ET(A)and ET(B)mRNA, with maximal effects at approximately 8 h. ET-1 was not detectable in medium from either control or PTH treated UMR-106 cultures, suggesting that the decreased expression of ET receptors was not due to enhanced ET production and subsequent homologous desensitization. The downregulation of ET receptors in osteoblasts by PTH pretreatment may serve as a homeostatic mechanism in bone.     

Overexpression of BMP-2 modulates morphology, growth, and gene expression in osteoblastic cells

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) play a pivotal role in growth and differentiation of osteoblastic lineage cells. BMPs are potent stimulators of bone formation in various animal models. To understand the mechanism of BMP action in bone cells, we have investigated the effects of overexpression of the BMP-2 gene on proliferation and differentiation of UMR-106 rat osteosarcoma cells. A stable UMR-106 cell line overexpressing the BMP-2 gene was established by transfection of cells using a mammalian expression vector harboring human BMP-2 cDNA followed by G418 selection. After introduction of the BMP-2 gene, UMR-106 cells appeared more spindle-shaped in morphology compared to the predominantly cuboidal appearance of the parental cells. Overexpression of BMP-2 markedly inhibited proliferation as measured by cell counting and [3H]thymidine incorporation assays. Extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from cells overexpressing BMP-2 exhibited a less supportive effect on proliferation of UMR cells than did ECM derived from parental cells. Furthermore, cell-cell communication through gap junctions was reduced more than 50% as determined by nondisruptive fluorescent dye transfer assays. Overexpression of BMP-2 significantly stimulated expression of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase genes, indicating its role in osteoblastic differentiation. There was little effect on osteopontin gene expression.     

Inhibition of parathyroid hormone-responsive adenylate cyclase in clonal osteoblast-like cells by transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor

The effects of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on parathyroid hormone (PTH)-responsive adenylate cyclase were examined in clonal rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR-106) with the osteoblast phenotype. Recombinant TFG-alpha and EGF incubated with UMR-106 cells for 48 h each produced concentration-dependent inhibition of PTH-responsive adenylate cyclase, with maximal inhibition of 38-44% at 1-3 ng/ml of either growth factor. TGF-alpha and EGF also inhibited beta-adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol)-stimulated adenylate cyclase by 32%, but neither growth factor affected enzyme response to prostaglandin or basal (unstimulated) activity. Nonreceptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin and cholera toxin was inhibited 18-20% by TGF-alpha and EGF. Pertussis toxin augmented PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase, suggesting modulation of PTH response by a functional inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory component of the enzyme. However, pertussis toxin had no effect on TGF-alpha inhibition of PTH response. Growth factor inhibition of PTH response was time-dependent, with maximal inhibition by 4-12 h of TGF-alpha exposure, and was reduced by prior treatment of UMR-106 cells with cycloheximide. TGF-alpha was not mitogenic for UMR-106 cells. The results indicate that TGF-alpha and EGF selectively impair PTH- and beta-adrenergic agonist-responsive adenylate cyclase of osteoblast-like cells. Growth factor inhibition of adenylate cyclase may be exerted at the receptor for stimulatory agonist and at nonreceptor components excluding pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins. The inhibitory action of growth factors may also require protein synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

NALP1 基因与骨肉瘤细胞的相关研究

目的:探讨NALP1基因在骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63、U-2OS中的表达,以及高表达NALP1基因对于骨肉瘤细胞体外凋亡的影响。方法:使用RT-PCR、Western-blot法检测骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63、U-2OS中的mRNA及蛋白表达水平并与人成骨细胞株hFOB1.19比较。将NALP1基因转染质粒PcDNA3.1,将重组质粒转染骨肉瘤细胞,分成高表达基因组、空质粒组及对照组,加入抗肿瘤药物顺铂及甲氨蝶呤促使肿瘤细胞凋亡,使用流式细胞仪测定各组肿瘤细胞凋亡率。结果:通过统计分析,骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63、U-2OS中的mRNA及蛋白表达水平均低于人成骨细胞株hFOB1.19(P<0.05),NALP1高表达组的肿瘤细胞凋亡率明显高于空白质粒组及对照组。结论:上调骨肉瘤细胞株MG-63、U-2OS中的NALP1的表达量可以促进肿瘤细胞凋亡。     

Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction studies in rat osteoblasts

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a powerful tool to evaluate gene expression, but its accuracy depends on the choice and stability of the reference genes used for normalization. In this study, we aimed to identify reference genes for studies on osteoblasts derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow osteoblasts), osteoblasts derived from newborn rat calvarial (calvarial osteoblasts), and rat osteosarcoma cell line UMR-106. The osteoblast phenotype was characterized by ALP activity and extracellular matrix mineralization. Thirty-one candidates for reference genes from a Taqman^® array were assessed by qRT-PCR, and their expressions were analyzed by five different approaches. The data showed that several of the most traditional reference genes, such as Actb and Gapdh, were inadequate for normalization and that the experimental conditions may affect gene stability. Eif2b1 was frequently identified among the best reference genes in bone marrow osteoblasts, calvarial osteoblasts, and UMR-106 osteoblasts. Selected stable and unstable reference genes were used to normalize the gene expression of Runx2, Alp, and Oc. The data showed statistically significant differences in the expression of these genes depending on the stability of the reference gene used for normalization, creating a bias that may induce incorrect assumptions in terms of osteoblast characterization of these cells. In conclusion, our study indicates that a rigorous selection of reference genes is a key step in qRT-PCR studies in osteoblasts to generate precise and reliable data.     

Possible involvement of PI3K-dependent pathways in the increased VEGF120 release from osteoblastic cells preloaded with palmitate in vitro

It have been reported that abnormal bone metabolism often occurs in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In recent years dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia) has been presumed to have an influence on bone metabolism. In addition, the involvements of VEGF and MCP-1 derived from osteoblasts in bone abnormal metabolism were also observed. Thus, we investigated the pathogenic mechanism of this abnormal bone metabolism, which is included in the regulation of VEGF and MCP-1 secretions from osteoblasts, by using UMR-106 osteosarcoma cells as an osteoblast cell model and treating them with palmitate in order to mimic a state of hyperlipidemia.     

Regulated expression of differentiation-associated keratins in cultured epidermal cells detected by monospecific antibodies to unique peptides of mouse epidermal keratins

Monospecific antibodies to mouse epidermal keratins were generated in rabbits and guinea pigs by injecting synthetic peptides of unique keratin sequences. The sequences were deduced from nucleotide sequences of cDNA clones representing basal (K14) and suprabasal (K1 and K10) cell-specific and hyperproliferative (K6) keratins of both the type-I and type-II subclasses. By applying single-and double-label immunofluorescence analysis, the expression of keratin peptides was analyzed in cultured keratinocytes maintained in the basal or suprabasal cell phenotypes. These cell types were selected by growth in medium containing 0.05 mM Ca2+ (basal cell) or 1.4 mM Ca2+ (suprabasal cell). The cultured basal cells expressed K6 and K14, but less than 1% expressed K1 and K10. Within a few hours after being placed in 1.4 mM Ca2+, K1 expression was observed, and by 24 h, 10%-17% of the cells expressed K1. K10 expression appeared to lag behind K1 expression, with only 5%-10% of cells in 1.4 mM Ca2+ exhibiting K10 immunoreactivity. Double-labeling studies indicated that virtually all K10-positive cells also expressed K1, while only about one-half of the K1-positive cells expressed K10. The treatment of basal cells with retinoic acid at pharmacological concentrations prevented the expression of K1 and K10 when cells were challenged by 1.4 mM Ca2+. Similarly, the introduction of the v-rasH oncogene into basal cells by a defective retroviral vector prevented the expression of suprabasal keratins in 1.4 mM Ca2+ medium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of a silencer element in the first exon of the human osteocalcin gene.

Osteocalcin, the major non-collagenous protein in bone, is transcribed in osteoblasts at the onset of extracellular matrix mineralization. In this study it was demonstrated that sequences located in the first exon of the human osteocalcin gene possess a differentiation-related osteocalcin silencer element (OSE). Osteocalcin was rendered transcribable in UMR-106 cells and proliferating normal osteoblasts after deletion of the -3 to +51 region. Site-specific mutagenesis of this region revealed that a 7 bp sequence (TGGCCCT) (+29 to +35) is critical for silencing function. Mobility shift assays demonstrated that a nuclear factor bound to the OSE. The OSE binding protein was present in proliferating normal pre-osteoblasts and in UMR-106 and ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells, but was absent from post-proliferative normal osteoblasts. The binding protein was inhibited by fragments containing the +29/+35 sequence, but not by other promoter fragments or by the consensus oligomers of unrelated nuclear factors AP-1 and Sp1. DNase 1 footprinting demonstrated that the OSE binding-protein protected the +17 to +36 portion of the first exon, consistent with the results of mapping studies and competitive mobility shift assays. It is hypothesized that this silencer is activated by complexing of the OSE binding protein to the OSE during the osteoblast proliferation stage and that the OSE binding protein is down-regulated at the onset of extracellular matrix mineralization.     

Tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 inhibit parathyroid hormone-responsive adenylate cyclase in clonal osteoblast-like cells by down-regulating parathyroid hormone receptors.

The effects of the monokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interleukin 1 (IL 1) on parathyroid hormone (PTH)-responsive adenylate cyclase were examined in clonal rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR-106) with the osteoblast phenotype. Recombinant TNF and IL 1 incubated with UMR-106 cells for 48 hr each produced concentration-dependent inhibition of PTH-sensitive adenylate cyclase, with maximal inhibition of PTH response (40% for TNF, 24% for IL 1) occurring at 10(-8) M of either monokine. Both monokines also decreased adenylate cyclase stimulation by the tumor-derived PTH-related protein (PTHrP). In contrast, TNF and IL 1 had little or no inhibitory effect on receptor-mediated stimulation of adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol and nonreceptor-mediated enzyme activation by cholera toxin and forskolin; both monokines increased prostaglandin E2 stimulation of adenylate cyclase. Binding of the radioiodinated agonist mono-[125I]-[Nle8,18, Tyr34]bPTH-(1-34)NH2 to UMR-106 cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of unlabeled [Nle8,18, Tyr34]bPTH-(1-34)NH2 revealed a decline in PTH receptor density (Bmax) without change in receptor binding affinity (dissociation constant, Kd) after treatment with TNF or IL 1. Pertussis toxin increased PTH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity but did not attenuate monokine-induced inhibition of PTH response. In time course studies, brief (1 hr) exposure of cells to TNF or IL 1 during early culture was sufficient to decrease PTH response but only after exposed cells were subsequently allowed to grow for prolonged periods. Inhibition of PTH response by monokines was blocked by cycloheximide. The results indicate that TNF and IL 1 impair responsiveness to PTH (and PTHrP) by a time- and protein synthesis-dependent down-regulation of PTH receptors linked to adenylate cyclase.     

Isolation and identification of the major plasma fibronectin cDNA from Japanese catfish Silurus asotus

Major plasma fibronectin from Japanese catfish was isolated using affinity chromatography, and the fibronectin was digested with thermolysin. Peptide sequences of the fragments were obtained by peptide sequencer. Complete fibronectin cDNA was obtained from Japanese catfish liver cells using 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) and 3'-RACE based on the peptide sequences. It consists of a 6885 bp open reading frame, which is putatively translated to a protein of 2295 amino acids resides. The catfish fibronectin has 12 type-I modules, 2 type-II modules and 15 type-III modules, and variable sites V and lacks both EIIIA and EIIIB sites. Homology of the entire amino acids residues of catfish fibronectin with those of mammals (Homo sapiens, Rattus norvegicus, Bos taurus) is only 47-48% and 57% with that of Danio rerio. However, amino acid sequence of type-I module 3 and type-I module12 are highly conserved and homology exceeds 80% with corresponding regions of the mammals, Xenopus laevis and fish species (Silurus asotus and D. rerio). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that only type-I module 4 shows a different pattern of phylogenetic tree. One major fibronectin mRNA was detected in whole liver and hepatocytes by northern hybridization, however, five to six other bands were also detected in both samples.     

Transforming growth factor beta enhances parathyroid hormone stimulation of adenylate cyclase in clonal osteoblast-like cells

The effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) on parathyroid hormone (PTH)-responsive adenylate cyclase were examined in clonal rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR-106) with the osteoblast phenotype. Purified TGF beta incubated with UMR-106 cells for 48 hr produced a concentration-dependent increase in PTH stimulation of adenylate cyclase, with maximal increase in PTH response (37%) occurring at 1 ng/ml TGF beta. TGF beta also enhanced receptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nonreceptor-mediated enzyme activation by cholera toxin and forskolin. In cells in which PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was augmented by treatment with pertussis toxin, the incremental increase in PTH response produced by TGF beta was reduced by 33%. However, TGF beta neither mimicked nor altered the ability of pertussis toxin to catalyze the ADP-ribosylation of a 41,000-Da protein, presumably the alpha subunit of the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory component (Gi) of adenylate cyclase, in cholate-extracted UMR-106 cell membranes. TGF beta also had no effect on the levels of alpha or beta subunits of Gi, as assessed by immunotransfer blotting. In time course studies, brief (less than or equal to 30 min) exposure of cells to TGF beta during early culture was sufficient to increase PTH response but only after exposed cells were subsequently allowed to grow for prolonged periods. TGF beta enhancement of PTH and isoproterenol responses was blocked by prior treatment of cells with cycloheximide but not indomethacin. The results suggest that TGF beta enhances PTH response in osteoblast-like cells by action(s) exerted at nonreceptor components of adenylate cyclase. The effect of TGF beta may involve Gi, although in a manner unrelated to either pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the alpha subunit of Gi or changes in levels of Gi subunits. The regulatory action of TGF beta on adenylate cyclase is likely to be mediated by the rapid generation of cellular signals excluding prostaglandins, followed by a prolonged sequence of events involving protein synthesis. These observations suggest a mechanism by which TGF beta may regulate osteoblast responses to systemic hormones.